Change is hard, even when it is something you want. Whether making a change for yourself, your family, your workplace, your environment, your community, or the greater good, change will be challenging.
As I write this letter and think about the changes the LSHRM organization has been through in the past year, I am encouraged by the positive response we have received from our membership for the new location. I am appreciative of the collaboration with our new partner, the PA College of Health Sciences. And I am grateful for the support of our new and seasoned board and committee members as I have simultaneously transitioned into my new role within LSHRM and joined a new organization, RKL Virtual Management Solutions.
Reflecting further on the topic of change I think about others who have battled change before me and my adaptations feel minor and insignificant. As we turned the calendar to February I was reminded of the change led by Carter G. Woodson. As you may know, Woodson was a scholar of the early 1900’s who believed the contributions of Black Americans were overlooked, ignored, and suppressed by the writers of history. Thanks to Woodson’s efforts in 1926 the second week of February was designated as Negro History Week to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. In 1976, Woodson’s concept was expanded into Black History Month.
It is the people like Carter Woodson throughout history, who have had the courage to introduce change and see it to fruition that truly make a difference in our world. As HR professionals we have a similar opportunity (even if it is on a smaller scale) to make the world which we impact a little bit better every day. While we may not become a Carter Woodson or have our name recognized in history, we can be positive change agents within our own workplaces and communities.
To do so, I encourage you to take advantage of the multitude of educational opportunities we offer throughout the year at LSHRM beginning with our next event. On Valentine’s Day,
February 14th, Juliane Flood and Jill Hackman will discuss work-based learning. Regardless of the economic environment, it does not appear that the employment market will be shifting anytime soon, which means HR needs to continue to lead the charge and think differently. Tapping into talent from a strategic and uncommon perspective can be a difference-maker for an employer. I hope you will join us on the 14th to learn more about work-based learning as an educational and talent-driven strategy.
In March, we will have our Spring Legal Update with Eric Athey and Micah Saul of McNees, Wallace, & Nurick, LLC. And in April, we have our Spring Conference with our keynote speaker, Vanessa Philbert, CEO at the Community Action Partnership. There are so many more amazing events coming up throughout the year. I encourage you to visit our website www.lancastershrm.org to check out what else is on tap and register. I assure you these are events you do not want to miss!
I wish you continued strength and courage as you navigate whatever change is happening in your world. Remember LSHRM is here to support you. Thank you for your membership and continued dedication to elevating and advancing human resources in Lancaster County. I look forward to seeing you soon!
Sincerely and With Gratitude,
Jen Strobel
LSHRM President 2023